By Ronnie Nathanielsz
OPBF minimum weight champion and WBC No.1 ranked Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol is set to fight for the world title currently held by Japan-based Eagle Kyowa who is actually a Thai boxer whose real name is Den Janlaphan. The title fight is set for May 8.
Mayol who earned the title shot with a spectacular fourth round knockout over No.2 ranked Mexican Lorenzo Trejo in a world title eliminator in Cancun during the WBC’s gala “Night of Champions” said there was no definite word on where the fight will be held although Viva Sports chairman Vic del Rosario and Araneta Coliseum owner George “Nene” Araneta are keen on staging the fight at the Big Dome.
GAB chairman Eric Buhain who was at ringside in Cancun said he too wanted the fight held in Manila and would provide all the assistance needed by Viva and the Araneta Coliseum.
Mayol said he was “inspired tremendously by the achievements of Manny Pacquiao and like Manny we don’t want to lose.” He said the string of impressive victories by Filipino fighters over Mexican opponents has made the whole world “salute the Filipinos even in Mexico.” Mayol thanked all those who helped in his career. He singled out his manager Yasuo Matsuoka and his Filipino wife Gina Matsuoka as well as GAB chairman Buhain.
Mayol said “I didn’t get scared when I saw chairman Buhain and his wife at ringside to back me up.” He asked Filipino boxing fans to “please support me and pray for me in my quest for a title which will bring more honor to our country.”
Mayol said he had seen Kyowa in action and “he is not that strong and doesn’t move his ahead. I believe I wont have a problem hitting him.” Determined to win and keep his undefated streak of 22 wins with 17 KO’s going, Mayol said he would begin training “immediately because this fight is important and I want to be in great condition for the title fight.”
